La Milagrosa

Experience the La Milagrosa loop via Arizona Trail, a difficult 34.9-mile mountain biking route with technical terrain and desert views.

This expert-level 30.6-mile mountain biking loop near Tucson, Arizona, offers challenging terrain and stunning desert views.

The Lemmon Drop is an incredibly demanding mountain biking route that takes you on a wild ride from the alpine forests of Mount Lemmon down to the desert floor. You'll navigate through diverse terrain, from fast, flowy sections to highly technical rocky switchbacks and significant rock gardens, with trails like Bug Springs and Bellota often requiring you to dismount and push your bike. The scenery is constantly changing, offering breathtaking views of Tucson and the surrounding mountains as you descend through multiple climate zones.

This difficult 30.5-mile (49.1 km) journey, with 3625 feet (1105 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 4 hours and 32 minutes, is strictly for experienced and fit mountain bikers. Shuttles are commonly used to reach the high-elevation start point, and you'll need to be self-sufficient with plenty of water, food, and repair tools. Plan your ride for the cooler months of October/November or March/April to avoid extreme heat at lower elevations and potential winter closures at the summit.

The Lemmon Drop is renowned as one of the most challenging rides in the United States, often compared to Moab's "The Whole Enchilada" for its scale and technical demands. It links together several popular trails, including Aspen Draw, Green Mountain, and La Milagrosa, creating a continuous descent of nearly 10,000 feet. This isn't a purpose-built bike park trail; it utilizes rugged multi-use hiking trails, which contributes to its raw and challenging character, making it a true test of skill and endurance.